In 1972, the U.S. and Japan signed the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction, and Their Environment. The Convention addresses the conservation of migratory birds in the U.S., its territories, and Japan. It also benefits shorebirds and the critically endangered short-tailed albatross through improved coordination among wildlife managers and researchers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific and Alaska Regions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Birds Program are active participants in the Convention. Wildlife Without Borders - East Asia coordinates implementation of the Convention, serves as liaison to Japan's Nature Conservation Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment, and assists in organizing biennial meetings with Japanese counterparts to review cooperation and plan future efforts.